ABAP boxers, coaches welcome new leader

DEPUTY Speaker Robbie Puno, the new president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, remembers the first world class fight he ever saw on television. He also recalls distinctly, but not with much fondness, his first taste of what getting hit feels like.

“The very first fight I saw on TV was Muhammad Ali versus Oscar Bonavena,” said Puno, referring to the December 7, 1970 heavyweight bout between Ali, who was coming out of a three and a half-year suspension from boxing for draft evasion, and a hardpunching brawler from Argentina, who had gone the full distance against Joe Frazier in two previous fights. Ali won the fight via a 15th round TKO.

“I’ve loved watching Ali since,” added Puno, w ho took over the ABAP reins last May after the untimely passing of longtime secretary general and later president Ed Picson.

“And, of course, I’ve also been a fan of our very own Manny Pacquiao,” he added, having long followed the rise and reign of the eight-time world boxing champion.

The erstwhile federation vice president was formally introduced to the national boxers at ABAP’s training facility in Baguio City last Saturday, with ABAP chairman and former president Ricky Vargas, Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and national coach Pat Gaspi taking turns in welcoming the five-term Antipolo first district representative.

Also in attendance were ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo, who hosted the affair, and Karina Picson, executive assistant to the president.

With Puno was his wife, former Congresswoman Chiqui Roa-Puno, a respected TV host and sports broadcast personality, and their son Nick.

“I’m very impressed with our boxers’ living quarters. Ang expectation ko noong una, baka hindi maayos. Maganda pala,” said Puno, who took pictures in front of the boxing ring with the 50 or so members of the national pool.

Setting plans and objectives for ABAP, and working to reach and